The 17-Day Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek offers an exhilarating and demanding journey through the Annapurna region, renowned for its breathtaking mountain views, diverse landscapes, and vibrant cultural heritage.
Your adventure begins upon arrival in Kathmandu, followed by a scenic drive to Besisahar and a jeep ride to Dharapani, marking the official start of your trek. As you progress, you'll pass through charming villages like Pisang and Manang, offering spectacular views of surrounding peaks and providing an opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture. A rest day in Manang ensures proper acclimatization before ascending to higher altitudes.
The trek then leads you towards Shree Kharka, as you move through more remote regions, eventually reaching Tilicho Base Camp. Here, you'll visit Tilicho Lake, the highest lake in the world at 4,949 meters. The pristine beauty of the lake and the surrounding mountains offers one of the most remarkable sights of the trek. After enjoying the lake, you’ll retrace your steps to Shree Kharka before continuing on to Yak Kharka and Thorong Phedi, the final stop before the legendary Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters. Crossing the pass is a monumental achievement, rewarded with panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
After descending from the pass, you'll reach Muktinath, a sacred pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists, where you can explore the Muktinath Temple. The trek continues with a jeep ride to Tatopani, famous for its natural hot springs—perfect for relaxation and muscle recovery.
Next, the trek takes you to Ghorepani, followed by a sunrise excursion to Poon Hill, which provides some of the most stunning panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. The trek concludes with a descent to Nayapul, followed by a scenic drive to Pokhara, and then back to Kathmandu for your final departure.
This 17-day trek offers a challenging yet incredibly rewarding adventure through the heart of the Himalayas, leaving you with unforgettable memories of the Annapurna region’s majestic beauty.
Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, Nepal's bustling capital. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by your guide or a representative from your trekking agency. After a warm welcome, you’ll be transferred to your hotel. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, allowing yourself to acclimatize to the new time zone and surroundings. You can explore the city’s vibrant streets, visit local markets, or rest for the exciting adventure ahead. Kathmandu is a mix of modern life and ancient traditions, with temples and monasteries to explore.
The journey starts with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar, the starting point of the Annapurna Circuit. The 8-10 hour drive is a blend of bumpy mountain roads and picturesque views of terraced fields, rivers, and hills. You’ll pass through several towns, including Khudi and Besisahar, where the road conditions improve. After reaching Besisahar, you will continue your drive in a jeep to Dharapani, your trek's first stop, nestled at a lower altitude. This marks the beginning of the Annapurna Circuit journey.
Today marks your first day on foot as you begin the trek towards Chame, the administrative center of the Manang District. Starting from Dharapani, you’ll follow a winding trail through forests of pine and fir trees and pass several small villages, such as Bagarchhap. The path continues along the Marsyangdi River. As you ascend, the majestic views of the Annapurna range begin to unfold before you. You’ll reach Chame in the late afternoon, where you can rest and take in the breathtaking mountain vistas.
On this day, the trek continues towards Pisang, which is located at a higher altitude, offering incredible views of the Pisang Peak and Lamjung Himal. The 5-6 hour trek follows a steadily ascending path through pine forests and open pastures. The landscape begins to change as you move from dense forest to more barren terrain, and you may see yaks grazing along the trail. Once you arrive in Pisang, you’ll notice the local Tibetan influence in the architecture and lifestyle. You can also explore the village's Tibetan monasteries during your stay.
The trek today takes you to Manang, a larger village that is a popular resting point for trekkers. The day’s journey is about 6-7 hours long. The route passes through Ngawal, a charming village with traditional stone houses and stunning views of the surrounding peaks. The higher you climb, the more the views become spectacular. Manang is a great place to explore, offering views of Annapurna II and Gangapurna. It is also an essential stop for acclimatization, as you’ll be gaining altitude and need time to adjust to prevent altitude sickness.
Today is your acclimatization day in Manang. It’s important to give your body time to adjust to the increasing altitude. You can spend the day exploring the village or hiking to nearby viewpoints, such as the Gangapurna Lake or the Ice Lake. You can also visit the Manang Monastery, where you can learn about the culture and spirituality of the local people. Remember to take it easy today and avoid strenuous activities.
After acclimatizing, your journey continues towards Siri Kharka, a remote village perched at an altitude of 4,060 meters. The trek today is relatively short (4-5 hours) but still provides dramatic changes in terrain and views. You’ll pass through desolate landscapes, small alpine meadows, and rocky paths. Siri Kharka is a peaceful location where you can rest and prepare for the more challenging segments of the trek ahead.
Today’s trek brings you closer to Tilicho Lake, one of the highest lakes in the world. The route to Tilicho Base Camp offers awe-inspiring views of the surrounding peaks. The trek is moderately strenuous (5-6 hours) with a gradual ascent to the base camp. As you approach the base camp, you’ll see snow-capped peaks surrounding you and experience a more rugged, high-altitude terrain. This evening, rest at Tilicho Base Camp in preparation for the visit to the lake tomorrow.
Today, you’ll reach the majestic Tilicho Lake at an altitude of 4,949 meters. The trail up to the lake can be challenging due to the high altitude, but the reward is worth it: stunning views of the turquoise lake surrounded by snow-capped peaks. After soaking in the views and taking some memorable photos, you will retrace your steps back to Siri Kharka. The return trek will be slightly easier, and the journey will take 5-6 hours.
After your visit to Tilicho Lake, the trek takes you further down to Yak Kharka, a small village known for its yaks and mountainous views. The descent from Siri Kharka is gradual and will take around 4-5 hours. You will notice a change in vegetation as you move from alpine terrain to more open grasslands and rocky paths. Yak Kharka offers a peaceful atmosphere where you can relax and prepare for the next leg of your journey.
Today, you will trek towards Phedi or High Camp, depending on your pace and acclimatization. This 4-5 hour trek offers dramatic views of the surrounding peaks and the Annapurna region. As you ascend, the landscape becomes more barren and rugged, and you may encounter mountain goats and yaks grazing along the route. Phedi or High Camp are ideal spots to rest before the challenging ascent to Thorong La Pass.
This is the highlight of your trek: the ascent to Thorong La Pass, standing at an altitude of 5,416 meters. It is one of the highest trekking passes in the world. The trek to the pass is long and physically demanding, requiring you to start early in the morning to avoid harsh weather conditions. Once at the top, you will be rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks. After descending, you’ll make your way to Muktinath, a sacred pilgrimage site for both Hindus and Buddhists.
After a fulfilling trek to Muktinath, you will take a scenic drive to Tatopani, a town famous for its natural hot springs. The journey is about 5-6 hours by jeep along bumpy roads, but it offers beautiful views of the mountains and valleys as you descend into the lower regions. Tatopani’s hot springs offer a great way to relax your tired muscles after the challenging trek.
Today’s trek takes you from Tatopani to Ghorepani, a popular spot for trekkers with stunning views of the surrounding peaks. This trek is a 7-8 hour journey, where you will pass through dense forests, waterfalls, and traditional villages. As you approach Ghorepani, the landscape transforms into an alpine zone, with magnificent views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri ranges.
An early morning sunrise hike to Poon Hill is a highlight of this day. The viewpoint at Poon Hill offers one of the best panoramic views of the Annapurna and Dhaulagiri mountain ranges. After the hike, you will trek down to Nayapul and take a drive to Pokhara. The trek and drive combined will take 7-8 hours in total. Pokhara is a beautiful lakeside city where you can relax and enjoy the serene atmosphere after your long trek.
Today, you will travel back to Kathmandu via a scenic drive from Pokhara. The drive takes 6-7 hours, passing through picturesque landscapes and small towns along the way. Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you can relax, do some last-minute shopping, or explore the city’s attractions before preparing for your return journey.
Your unforgettable adventure in the Annapurna region concludes today. You’ll be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport for your flight home or onward destination. Your memories of breathtaking mountain vistas, remote villages, and cultural experiences will stay with you for a lifetime.
The following information will give you some idea about what you need to bring for the trek. It is important you do not forget the essential items, as this will determine your comfort and safety on the trek. Equally important is that you do not burden yourself with unnecessary equipment on the trek.
Toiletries (tissues, toilet paper, moisturizer, lip balm, sunscreen, sanitary pads, hand sanitizer, nail clippers, a small mirror, toothbrush, toothpaste, glasses, contacts, etc.)
The 17-Day Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek is considered a challenging trek due to its high-altitude sections, especially crossing Thorong La Pass at 5,416 meters. It requires trekkers to be in good physical condition with an average fitness level. Training in endurance and strength will significantly benefit your trekking experience. While you don’t need advanced mountaineering skills, having prior trekking experience in the Himalayas will be helpful, as there are long days of walking and steep ascents. Proper preparation ensures that you enjoy the trek safely.
The best times for trekking the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These seasons offer clear skies, pleasant temperatures, and excellent visibility of the surrounding mountain ranges. Trekking during the winter months (December to February) is not recommended due to extreme cold and heavy snowfall at higher altitudes, particularly at Tilicho Lake and Thorong La Pass. The summer months (June to August) are the monsoon season, and trekking is less ideal due to frequent rainfall and slippery trails.
For the Annapurna Circuit trek, trekkers need to obtain several permits:
Be sure to carry all necessary documents for smooth entry to the trekking region.
Altitude sickness is a concern for any trek above 2,500 meters. The 17-Day Annapurna Circuit has high-altitude regions, with Tilicho Lake and Thorong La Pass requiring proper acclimatization. The trek is designed with sufficient rest days, such as the acclimatization day in Manang, where you can explore the area at a higher altitude to help your body adjust. Drink plenty of water, eat well, and monitor your body for symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headache, dizziness, or nausea. If you experience severe symptoms, descend to a lower altitude and seek medical attention immediately.
Proper trekking gear is crucial for this adventure. Essential items include:
If you need any gear, it's available for rent in Kathmandu or Pokhara.
Throughout the trek, you will find teahouses or lodges serving traditional Nepali meals like dal bhat (lentil soup with rice), momos (dumplings), and noodles. However, at higher altitudes, the variety of food becomes more limited, with simple dishes like rice, pasta, and soup available. It's important to stay hydrated—carry a water purification system (tablets or a filter) to ensure access to clean water. Bottled water is available at lower altitudes, but it's better to purify water from natural sources.
The Annapurna Circuit is well-equipped with teahouses or lodges that provide basic accommodation along the route. Rooms are usually simple with twin beds and a shared bathroom. At higher altitudes, the accommodations can be more basic. Many teahouses offer heating in common areas but may not have it in the rooms, so it's important to bring a warm sleeping bag. Remember that accommodation costs increase as you ascend, especially near Tilicho Lake and Thorong La Pass.
As the Annapurna region is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, it’s essential to follow responsible trekking practices:
Consider traveling with a company that supports sustainable tourism and conservation initiatives.
Your trek begins with a scenic drive from Kathmandu to Besisahar, followed by a jeep ride to Dharapani, where the trek officially begins. The roads can be bumpy, so expect a long ride (about 10-12 hours). Be ready for rough mountain roads, and make sure you have motion sickness medication if needed. Transportation to Pokhara at the end of the trek is by private jeep or bus, which takes about 6-7 hours.
The cost of the 17-Day Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake Trek depends on various factors such as the trekking agency, accommodation choices, and personal spending. On average, the cost for a guided trek is between $1,000 to $2,500 USD, including permits, accommodation, food, and transportation. It’s recommended to budget extra for personal expenses, including souvenirs, extra meals, or snacks, and tips for guides and porters.
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The best time for this trek is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) seasons. These months offer clear skies, mild temperatures, and excellent visibility of the mountain ranges. The trek is not recommended during the monsoon season (June to August) due to heavy rainfall and the winter season (December to February) due to extreme cold and snow at higher altitudes.
While previous trekking experience is beneficial, the Annapurna Circuit with Tilicho Lake trek is accessible to trekkers with a moderate level of fitness. However, it is challenging due to high altitudes, long days of walking, and steep ascents, so it’s essential to be in good physical condition and adequately prepared.
The highest point of the trek is Thorong La Pass, which is at an elevation of 5,416 meters (17,769 feet). Another highlight is Tilicho Lake, which sits at an altitude of 4,949 meters (16,238 feet). These high-altitude sections require proper acclimatization to reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
Altitude sickness is a risk when trekking above 2,500 meters, especially near Tilicho Lake and Thorong La Pass. To prevent it, follow these tips:
Along the Annapurna Circuit, you will stay in teahouses or lodges. These provide basic but comfortable rooms with twin beds and shared bathrooms. As you climb higher, the facilities become simpler. Rooms can be cold at higher altitudes, so a warm sleeping bag is recommended.
You will need the following permits:
While it’s possible to trek independently, hiring a guide or porter is highly recommended for safety, navigation, and support. A guide can enhance your experience with local knowledge and provide insights into the culture and environment, while a porter can help carry your heavy luggage, making the trek more comfortable.
The teahouses along the trail serve a variety of Nepali and Western foods, including dal bhat (lentil soup with rice), noodles, momos (dumplings), and pasta. At higher altitudes, the menu becomes more limited, but you can still find basic meals like rice, soup, and simple snacks. Carrying snacks like energy bars is also a good idea.
Crossing Thorong La Pass is the most physically demanding part of the trek. It is a long day, requiring trekkers to start early in the morning. The high-altitude conditions can make the trek challenging, and you may experience cold temperatures and thin air. Proper acclimatization is essential to tackle the pass safely, and most trekkers take about 8-9 hours to cross it.
Mobile phone reception is generally available at lower altitudes, such as Manang and Pokhara, but becomes less reliable as you climb higher. Some teahouses may offer Wi-Fi for a small fee, but the service can be slow and intermittent. It’s a good idea to disconnect and enjoy the natural beauty, but you may also want to inform family or friends of your itinerary in advance.
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This trek is probably the best starting point for people planning to trek the peaks in the Everest Region. The trek difficulty is moderate for an absolutely unprepared person, and easy for experienced hikers. The trek is filled with stunning beauty of the very diverse Himalayan terrain. It was a fine experience with dense forests, plain mountains and rocky regions. The trek to the summit was exceptional, and I witnessed the sunrise of a lifetime at the summit, along with a great panoramic view of Mt. Everest and the Greater Himalayan Range. Climatic conditions were good, except for very strong wind on the way to the summit from base camp. I profusely thank Mr. Lhakpa Sona, the Sherpa who was with me throughout the trek, making accommodation and food arrangements during the trek, and for guiding me at each step as it was my first Himalayan trek. I also thank Mr. Ang Giljin the porter, who carried my personal effects and luggage and was incredibly supportive. Finally, I thank Mr. Ram Barakoti for organizing this trek for me. I'm already making plans for my next trek to Gokyo valley and Mt. Gokyo Ri summit with Lhakpa, as the next step towards my dream of summiting Mt. Everest. Thank you Sherpa Expedition and Trekking Pvt. Ltd. ! Let's meet again soon.
I embarked on the Annapurna Circuit trek with Sherpa Expedition & Trekking, and it exceeded all my expectations. The professionalism of the staff was evident from the start. Our guide was not only skilled but also friendly, making the trek enjoyable and educational. The landscapes were jaw-dropping, with diverse terrain and charming villages. Every day brought new wonders, and the support from the Sherpa team made all the difference. I can’t wait to return for another adventure!
Sherpa Expedition & Trekking demonstrated professionalism at every stage of the Annapurna Circuit Trek. From the pre-trek briefing to the final goodbye, the team's organization was impressive. Our guides were skilled and experienced, ensuring our safety while encouraging us to embrace the adventure. The trek was well-structured, with plenty of opportunities to appreciate the stunning landscapes and local culture. I felt well taken care of and was able to focus on enjoying the journey. This trek has sparked a passion for trekking, and I’m eager to plan my next adventure.
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Sherpa Expedition and Trekking is one of the pioneers of Trekking, tour and expedition in Nepal which was established on January 07, 1977, with a motto: ‘Enhancing Tourism possibilities across the Globe’. Sherpa Expedition and Trekking is proud to be recognized as the fifth Trekking and Adventure company authorized by the Tourism Board of Nepal.
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